The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has imposed a N20 million regulatory fine on Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL) over safety and operational breaches linked to the death of one of its linemen, Mr Dirisu Yusuf.

The sanction was contained in Regulatory Order No. KERC/ORDER/2026/09/05, signed by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of KERC, Engr Ibrahim S. Abdwaaris, and the Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Prof Ibrahim Abdulkarim.

According to KERC’s Head of Public Affairs, Alhaji Ali Atabor, the penalty followed a fatal occupational accident involving Yusuf while working on the 33kV Feeder 2 network at Zango, Lokoja.

The commission said its investigation established that KEDL deployed a reused and relocated concrete pole that had previously suffered mechanical shock during conductor vandalism and Hiab transportation.

The pole was subsequently certified fit for climbing based solely on visual inspection.

KERC rejected the company’s defence, explaining that micro-fractures and fatigue in concrete poles may not be detectable through visual examination.

The commission described the reliance on visual inspection for a recycled 33kV asset as a serious failure of technical asset-integrity procedures.

It also faulted KEDL for classifying work at height on a high-voltage network as a routine task, thereby bypassing the formal Permit to Work (PTW) system.

In addition, the regulator identified inadequate supervisory control as another factor in the incident.

KERC said the N20 million fine was imposed based on failures in asset integrity, pre-work verification and supervision.

The distribution company was directed to pay the fine within 21 days, failing which it would incur an additional penalty of N500,000 for every day of default.

The commission also ordered KEDL to provide evidence within 30 days showing payment of Group Life Assurance, Workmen’s Compensation and pension benefits to the family of the deceased.

KEDL was further directed to conduct an engineering audit of all reused poles within 60 days, introduce mandatory pre-climb verification logs and take disciplinary action against the supervisor involved in the fatal accident.

KERC warned that continued failure to comply with the directives could attract suspension of operational privileges and further sanctions under the Kogi State Electricity Law, 2024. (Saturday Tribune, but headline rejigged)